Interview: 2017 JUCO OLB Michael Clemons Updates Commitment to Texas A&M Aggies

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

When worked properly, the junior college route is an amazing tool not only for FBS and FCS college coaches but also for the players seeking that opportunity to expand their game at the collegiate level before heading off to a four-year program. One Texas product that worked the junior college ranks to perfection is Cisco outside linebacker/defensive end Michael Clemons.

Clemons took the 2015 season as a redshirt out of Sachse High School to pack on some size to his frame while further developing his athletic abilities and learning the nuances of playing his position. When he reemerged in the spring, he was as good as any outside linebacker in his class needing to only to validate his off-season reel by showing out against other NJCAA Region 14 teams, and that is exactly what he did.

With stats posted through six games in 2016, Clemons tallied 30 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, and 2.5 sacks giving college coaches all that they needed to go off of to keep on extending offers. Just off of his spring reel alone Clemons was able to pull in 10 Division-I scholarships. Some of the teams to offer early included Arkansas, Kansas State, Central Florida, Utah State, Middle Tennessee State, North Carolina State, Missouri, Tennessee, and Ole Miss.

By the end of October, Clemons had set official visits with Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Missouri with a tentative date penciled in with Arkansas. On the same day Clemons set his Top 5 of Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Oklahoma State, and Missouri (Dec. 2), Auburn tried to jump into the mix a little too late extending another offer. When all was said and done, Clemons had gone from an under the radar recruit in May to a quickly growing highly prized recruit in December.

On Saturday, Clemons ended all of the potential official visits in January verbally committing to the Aggies. College football fans found out via Twitter with a posted statement:

What Texas A&M is getting in Clemons is another athletically gifted defensive end who can rush the passer as well as set the edge against the run. He played his redshirt freshman season fluctuating from 236 to 241 but is now at 6-6, 253 pounds – certainly ready to take on SEC West offensive tackles next season.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Clemons after his commitment getting the inside scoop on how the Aggies won him over.

Interview

Michael, first, congratulations on your commitment to Texas A&M.

“Thank you.”

Let’s set the table. How many offers do you have right now?

“I have 15 offers.”

You had a Top 5 of Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Oklahoma State, and Missouri. What led you to commit to the Aggies on Saturday?

“The more I learned about the program the more I liked it. Plus it is close to home. They have a great academic program. Graduating with a degree from Texas A&M means something here in Texas, plus they are a good football program. That was all I needed to see.”

Who did you commit to and how did the commitment take place?

“I watched them practice on Saturday. Afterwards I went upstairs to talk to Coach (Kevin) Sumlin (head coach). I told him I wanted to commit. He gave me a “Yes, Sir.”

Sumlin has turned that into a catch phrase. How was it being the one getting the “Yes, Sir” from Coach Sumlin?

“Getting the ‘Yes, Sir”, that was big. I was happy, he was happy, we were all happy. It was a great time.”

What was Coach Sumlin’s reaction when you committed?

“He said he could not wait to get me on campus. He said that I can make a big impact with the team and that I can help the program.”

What was Coach (John) Chavis’ (defensive coordinator) reaction when you told him?

“I did not get to talk to him. I did get to tell Coach (Terry) Price, he’s A&M’s defensive ends coach.”

What was Coach Price’s reaction?

“Oh, he was excited. He was happy to get me there. I look forward to getting coached by him.”

When you went upstairs with Coach Sumlin on Saturday, did you know that you would be committing to him then?

“I did know – I knew. I was holding off because they did not have my degree. I had to change from Criminal Justice to Business. That is why I went down there. When I saw they have a great business program that was the last thing I needed to see. I said, ‘Coach, I have news for you.’ He said, ‘Will it make me smile. I said, ‘Yes.’ I was not nervous or anything like that.”

When will you sign with the Aggies?

“I will sign in February.”

So you will enroll this summer?

“Yes.”

You had official visits lined up, do you still plan to take your visits?

“No sir, I am done. I will not take any other official visits.”

Once you committed, did any of the schools that had offered you reach out to you?

“No, sir. Wait, Ole Miss did but that was it.”

You never did take any of your official visits did you?

“No, sir. I did not take any official visits.”

When did you take an unofficial to College Station before this weekend?

“I went for the Ole Miss game (Nov. 12).”

What do you think about the facilities, weight room, and stadium at A&M?

“Amazing. One simple word – amazing.”

Are you going to help start recruiting others?

“Most definitely, we want the best talent there. I will do my part to help recruit.”

Michael, again, congratulations on your commitment to the Aggies and thanks for your time today.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Clemons family; Michael Clemons with Kevin Sumlin.